How much of an athlete... - Bike Forum

Re: How much of an athlete...

reeksy — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 22:00:33 +0000

The older I get, the better I was... But, I pretty much live with all things in moderation. Except class A's I guess. I pretty much do everything to about 80% effort, cycling, work, whatever. I was a semi-pro level footballer 20 years ago, but was never interested in putting in the effort to get fit enough to do really well. There's always something else that interests me that stops me from getting completely absorbed. I'll ride three or four times a week, like to improve but won't commit to make massive gains. I only drink Friday to Sunday (and once a month i host beer tastings), quit eating refined sugar but still maintain the same ~95kg i weighed 25 years ago at uni... even if it my centre of gravity is lowering.

Re: How much of an athlete...

w00dster — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:50:55 +0000

Completely agree with mtbtomo adding the reminder, athlete doesn't just mean pro or elite level athlete. Listening to Bradley Wiggins at his "An evening with" the other week, he nonchalantly says how he could hold 400 watts for an hour. Ridonculous! My wife asked me how long can I hold 400 watts - she was surprised when I said 2 minutes at the very most and even then I'd be absolutely cream crackered.

Re: How much of an athlete...

mtbtomo — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:04:38 +0000

The Definition of Athlete Merriam-Webster defines it as “a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina.” ... In other words, an athlete can be a top competitor — or an average finisher.

Re: How much of an athlete...

tpbiker — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 11:55:05 +0000

There are people doing 18mins at sub 280 Watts with the right aero kit. I used to a 10m TT at 330W and never got below 25 mins mainly as I was on a normal road bike and not that bothered about the time.

That dude put out 380 watts and is top 20 under 23 level. The course isnt stupidly fast though, so my time was still a decent effort imo. He won by about 2 min over rest of field. Point being, the difference between proper athletes and mere mortals is huge.

Re: How much of an athlete...

Blackflag — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:42:54 +0000

The only time I've had a 6 pack was between 1989 and 1992, but that was down to spending my weekends at the Hacienda. That's about as close as i got to being an athlete

Re: How much of an athlete...

steve_b77 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:33:16 +0000

You should probably let Alex dowsett know. Took him AVE 426 to go 19 and change.

But that's actual real WTP ratified data

Re: How much of an athlete...

steve_b77 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:30:53 +0000

I'm Jackie Moon I am 🤣🤣

Re: How much of an athlete...

Kryton57 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 10:27:29 +0000

Its funny. Ive just dropped my 10yo off to the local grammer school where he's been invited for a Sport Scholarship try-out for next years entry. The last thing i said to him before I left was "just enjoy yourself and do your best, no one can ask more that that from you" How very hypocritical... :D

Re: How much of an athlete...

Daffy — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:05:41 +0000

I made a conscious choice in 2018 to do whatever it took to finish my PhD. As I was still working almost 50 hours per week and have kids (7and 2) This meant working until very late in the evening and required regular infusions of crisps and wine. I put about 8-10kgs over this period. Come January 2019, I started riding to work every day (38mile round trip) come March, I was running 3-4 times per week doing initially 5ks then 10ks, now half marathons every month. My weight has dropped to 70kg (6’) and I’ve my power is up to about 4.5w/kg, my half marathon times (not in any races) are about 1:45 and my 10k at 45m. I haven’t dieted at all, just worked a little harder, trying to do all my exercise either commuting or with the kids. My 10k is usually pushing the Chariot whilst my son rides alongside. Now am I fit? Maybe a little more than average? On strava, across regular segments I’m often in the top 20-30. Am I an athlete? Hell no! I’ve tried to attack some of those segments and follow some people who’re properly fit and do massive amounts of training. I’ll never be that quick, but then, I don’t really aspire to be either. 80:20 rule. For everything.

Re: How much of an athlete...

Kryton57 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 07:42:21 +0000

From your posts on here, you don’t seem happy “just” riding your bike. But don’t beat yourself up when you’re not following a strictly calorie controlled diet of steamed fish, brown rice and vegetables…. There’s a difference between being a professional, paid athlete and being an amateur athlete. Its all on a spectrum.

indeed. This post wasn’t a moan, just in interested question. Personally I’m in a lot happier place now, having had a Demi rant at my coach and a bit of self belief was injected by placing in the top 10 at 24/12 when I went “just to ride my bike”. Training will contain a bit of fun stuff and the objectivity I needed to see, my weight’s coming down to where I feel comfortable, and finally I’m at a place with work where I’m less mentally trapped in a corporate cycle. In the main Ive stopped thinking about where I finish and have redirected that to how I perform. As long as I’ve rocked up and made the most of things nothing else really matters. This last bit was inspired by the non winning athletes in Doha who seem very comfortable that where they were in there performance cycle is part of a process and PB is as good as a gold medal. Being fit is part of my DNA, I can’t be unfit and lazy but am appreciating that it’s a hobby not a job, and had some great MTB rides locally in the last of the summer sun to remind me of that.